Starting out as a freelance writer can be intimidating, especially when you don’t have any published work to show. Clients often ask for samples, and without them, it might feel like a never-ending cycle: no samples, no clients — no clients, no samples.
But here’s the truth: you can absolutely build a compelling writing portfolio from scratch, even if you’ve never been paid to write. This guide will walk you through actionable steps to create a portfolio that grabs attention and helps you land your first freelance writing jobs.
Why a Writing Portfolio Matters
Think of your writing portfolio as your resume. It’s the first impression potential clients get of your writing style, tone, and expertise. A solid portfolio can:
- Show off your writing voice and skill
- Build trust and credibility
- Help clients assess your fit for their brand or industry
- Set you apart from other freelancers
Even a few strong samples can significantly increase your chances of landing paid work.
Step 1: Decide on Your Niche or Focus
Before creating samples, you need to determine what type of content you want to write. While it’s fine to write across different topics, choosing a focus will help you build a portfolio that appeals to your ideal clients.
Common freelance writing niches include:
- Health and wellness
- Finance and investing
- Tech and SaaS
- Personal development
- Digital marketing
- Education
- Parenting and lifestyle
- Travel and hospitality
Choose 1–2 niches that interest you and align with what clients are hiring for. You don’t need to be an expert — you just need to be willing to research and learn.
Step 2: Write Sample Articles
Here’s the good news: your first samples don’t need to be published or paid. You can create “mock” articles and still present them professionally.
Tips for writing strong samples:
- Choose topics that are relevant to your niche
- Aim for 800 to 1,200 words
- Structure your articles with clear headings (H2s and H3s)
- Write in a tone that matches your ideal clients’ brands
- Use real facts, data, or quotes (and cite your sources)
- Edit thoroughly — your sample should look like final client work
Example: If you want to write for health blogs, write a sample titled “5 Science-Backed Tips to Improve Sleep Naturally.”
Create 2–3 polished articles to start.
Step 3: Create a Portfolio Page
Now that you have samples, you need a place to showcase them. A simple and clean portfolio page is all you need.
Options for building your portfolio:
1. Medium
Create a free Medium account and publish your articles there. Use a professional profile picture and bio. Each article gets a shareable link.
2. Google Docs
Upload your samples to Google Docs and make the links “anyone with the link can view.” This is quick, simple, and easy to share with clients.
3. Free Portfolio Builders
- Journo Portfolio
- Clippings.me
- Contently (if accepted)
These sites are designed for writers and offer portfolio layouts where you can upload links or files.
4. Personal Website
If you’re ready to invest in your business, consider creating a basic WordPress or Carrd website. Include:
- About Me section
- Portfolio
- Contact info
This makes you look more professional and in control of your brand.
Step 4: Include a Variety of Writing Formats
Clients may want different types of writing. Consider creating diverse sample formats, such as:
- Blog post (informative and SEO-friendly)
- Product description or review
- Email newsletter
- Social media captions
- Website homepage copy
- Press release
Having a variety of samples shows your versatility and increases your appeal to different clients.
Step 5: Add Real-World Writing (Optional)
If you can get something published — even for free — add it to your portfolio.
Ways to get published:
- Offer to guest post on a blog in your niche
- Volunteer to write content for a nonprofit or local business
- Post consistently on LinkedIn or Medium with original articles
- Collaborate with a peer or friend starting a business
Anything published with your byline helps build your credibility.
Step 6: Keep Your Portfolio Updated
A great portfolio is a living document. As you grow in your career and gain real client work, remove the earliest or weaker samples and replace them with stronger ones.
Keep in mind:
- Choose quality over quantity
- Update your writing bio every few months
- Tailor the featured samples based on the type of client you’re targeting
If you end up writing in multiple niches, consider grouping samples by topic.
Step 7: Craft a Short and Effective Bio
Your portfolio shouldn’t just include articles — you also need a compelling bio that tells potential clients who you are and what you offer.
A great freelance writer bio includes:
- Who you are
- What you write about
- What type of clients you help
- How to contact you
Example:
“I’m a freelance content writer specializing in health and wellness topics. I help health brands create engaging, SEO-friendly blog content that builds authority and trust. Reach me at yourname@email.com.”
Keep it professional, friendly, and to the point.
Step 8: Share Your Portfolio
Once your portfolio is ready, start sharing it with potential clients! Include a link in:
- Your job applications or proposals
- Your email signature
- Your social media bios
- Your LinkedIn profile
If you’re applying through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, you can add portfolio pieces to your profile directly.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Experience — You Need Initiative
Many new writers wait until someone hires them to start writing. But the truth is, you don’t need to wait for permission to create a portfolio.
By writing strong samples and presenting them professionally, you’ll show clients you’re ready to deliver value — even without prior experience. Your writing is your best advertisement. Make it count.